BUS-FPX3121 ASSESSMENT 3 INSTRUCTIONS: ETHICAL CASE STUDY
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Capella University
BUS-FPX3121 Healthcare Management Ethics
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Date
Introduction
This case study focuses on a patient named Michael, who was admitted to the hospital and later fell into a coma following multiple surgeries. During admission, Michael disclosed that although he had been residing with his father, Chris, for the past two years, he was legally married to Tifania and maintained communication with her.
After Michael’s condition worsened and an apnea test confirmed his death, Chris requested the hospital to end treatment without consulting Tifania. When Tifania later contacted the hospital to inquire about Michael’s condition, she was denied information. The staff stated that Chris had claimed Michael and Tifania were divorced, and that Chris and Michael’s minor children were the legal next of kin.
Despite Tifania being documented on Michael’s admission forms as his spouse and emergency contact, the hospital staff did not review this information. Even after Tifania provided proof of their marriage during Michael’s three-week coma, the hospital allowed Chris to make end-of-life decisions, disregarding both ethical and legal obligations.
Recognition of the Problem
In this case, Michael fulfilled all requirements to make informed medical decisions and provided accurate information during admission. He explicitly identified Tifania as his wife, financial supporter, and emergency contact. This documentation should have guided the hospital staff in determining the appropriate decision-maker during his incapacitation.
However, the hospital staff failed to uphold the patient’s rights by neglecting institutional protocols and violating ethical and legal standards. Their disregard for documented information led to a breach of patient autonomy and compromised the ethical integrity of medical care.
Table 1
Summary of Key Facts in Michael’s Case
| Information Category |
Documented by Patient |
Action Taken by Hospital |
Ethical Issue |
| Marital Status |
Married to Tifania |
Ignored; treated as divorced |
Breach of autonomy |
| Emergency Contact |
Listed Tifania |
Contacted Chris instead |
Violation of consent |
| Next of Kin |
Wife (Tifania) |
Recognized father (Chris) |
Legal noncompliance |
| Proof of Marriage |
Provided during coma |
Disregarded |
Negligence |
Analysis of Ethical Factors
Several ethical factors arise in this situation, particularly concerning autonomy, nonmaleficence, and beneficence.
Breach of Autonomy
Michael’s autonomy was disregarded when his documented preferences were ignored. He had clearly indicated that his wife should be responsible for medical decisions in the event of incapacitation, yet the hospital deferred to his father instead.
Violation of Nonmaleficence
By failing to act in accordance with ethical and hospital policies, the staff caused harm to both Michael and Tifania. Their inaction denied the patient the dignity of his expressed wishes and inflicted emotional distress on his spouse.
Infringement of Beneficence
The staff’s failure to verify the marital status and act accordingly compromised Michael’s best interests. Had they reviewed his admission documentation, they would have prioritized decisions consistent with his welfare and legal rights. BUS-FPX3121 Assessment 3 Instructions: Ethical
Case Study
According to Darr (2011), conflicts of interest in healthcare often emerge when employees overlook ethical and procedural clarity. In such instances, staff should refer to ethical principles and relevant laws to ensure the correct course of action. Morrison (2019) further emphasizes that neglecting these obligations undermines patient justice and equitable treatment.
Table 2
Ethical Violations and Consequences
| Ethical Principle |
Description of Violation |
Resulting Consequence |
| Autonomy |
Ignored patient’s expressed wishes |
Unauthorized decision-making |
| Nonmaleficence |
Failure to prevent harm |
Emotional and moral distress |
| Beneficence |
Neglect of patient welfare |
Misaligned medical actions |
| Justice |
Disregard of legal rights |
Denial of access to fair treatment |
Furthermore, financial conflicts of interest may have influenced decision-making, as discussed by Darr & Nowicki (2018). When professional obligations conflict with personal or financial motives, ethical breaches often follow — as evidenced in Tifania’s exclusion despite being legally and financially involved in her husband’s care.
Likely Corrections
To rectify the situation, corrective actions should be implemented both externally (with respect to the patient’s family) and internally (within the hospital system).
External Measures
Externally, the hospital should issue a formal apology to Tifania, release Michael’s medical records promptly, and engage directly with her based on verified documentation. The institution may also provide grief counseling and consider financial compensation for emotional and procedural distress. If these measures are insufficient, the family may pursue legal action or public advocacy through social media.
Internal Measures
Internally, the hospital must review and revise its policies, staff training programs, and ethical oversight mechanisms. This includes mandatory education on patient rights, documentation verification, and decision-making authority. The organization should also adopt transparent accountability procedures to ensure similar incidents are avoided. Bus-Fpx3121 Assessment 3 Instructions: Ethical Case Study
Table 3
Recommended Corrective Actions
| Category |
Corrective Measures |
Intended Outcome |
| External |
Apology, record release, counseling, compensation |
Family satisfaction, restored trust |
| Internal |
Policy review, ethics training, accountability enforcement |
Prevention of future ethical breaches |
Accountability must begin within the organization, ensuring that all levels of staff act in accordance with the highest ethical standards and that leadership models these behaviors consistently.
Conclusion
Resolving the ethical dilemma involving Michael, Tifania, Chris, and the hospital staff requires a systemic and immediate response. The institution must review and, if necessary, overhaul existing protocols to align with ethical standards, legal requirements, and patient-centered care practices.
Moreover, staff-wide ethical training programs should be made mandatory to enhance decision-making, uphold patient safety, and improve quality of care. By integrating evidence-based ethical frameworks and transparent procedures, Brookside Hospital can reestablish trust, accountability, and a commitment to justice within its healthcare system.
References
Darr, K. (2011). Ethics in health services management (5th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Health Professions Press.
Nowicki, M. (2018). Introduction to the financial management of healthcare organizations (7th ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press.
BUS-FPX3121 Assessment 3 Instructions: Ethical Case Study
Morrison, E. E. (2019). Ethics in Health Administration: A Practical Approach for Decision Makers (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://capella.vitalsource.com/books/9781284194319
RELATED: BUS-FPX3121 ASSESSMENT 2 INSTRUCTIONS: TECHNOLOGY, DATA SECURITY & ETHICS IN CARE
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